Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Price: $23.95

Code: 83053

Weight: 1.10 pounds

0 available for immediate delivery

Quantity:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

100-pocket (non-refillable) 4x6 photo brag book covered in a colorful hot air balloon motif print. Trimmed with red piping. 7/8" white tie ribbon. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, New Mexico embroidered on front along with a hot air balloon.Historical Backgroundexcerpt taken from Balloon Fiesta official websiteThe State Fairgrounds was secured as the site for the first Balloon Fiesta. Pilots were flown in from 15 countries, put up in one of Albuquerque's finest hotels, given brand new trucks -- complete with crew -- to chase their balloons, and treated with celebrity status throughout their entire stay. Since each country was allowed four representatives, pilots from around the United States descended on Albuquerque to compete for the three remaining spots on the U.S. team the week before the World Competition. The first slot had already been granted to Bruce Comstock, the current reigning National Champion. The arrival of 138 balloons, over 10 times the huge turnout of 13 balloons the previous spring, so taxed the limits of the local hospitality industry that the people of Albuquerque literally opened heir homes to house many of the pilots and crews. The entire community got behind the spirit of this landmark event and cooperated at every turn.From a small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to become hands-down the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the first week in October, the Balloon Fiesta hosts hundreds of balloons and over 1,000 pilots. The first gathering of 13 balloons in 1972 was held in the parking lot of Coronado Center in uptown Albuquerque. The following year, 13 countries took part in the First World Hot Air Balloon Championships, held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The event had already caught on. By 1978 Albuquerque was playing host to the world's largest ballooning event (273 entries that year alone).Today Balloon Fiesta is recognized worldwide as the trademark for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. To visit the official website go to Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.